MBE for Burnley man who set up male rape support group

Simon Woodvine with his MBE. (s)

Published:16:10Friday 01 February 2013

A FORMER Burnley man who set up a male rape support group has seen his hard work honoured by the Queen.

Simon Woodvine, founder of the Fylde Coast Men’s Support Association (FCMSA), was honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list and received his MBE insignia from HRH Prince Charles in a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.

Simon, who lives in Fleetwood, said: “I established the Support Group and helpline in 2001 because there were no other services for male survivors of rape and abuse in Lancashire and very few around the UK.

“Unfortunately the majority of men who are abused will not report to the police or other organisations for many reasons including the stigma – that men can’t be abused or raped.”

The Fylde Coast Men’s Support Association offers help and support via their helpline and one to one listening sessions. Anybody wishing to use the service can ring 07932 898274.